Torque analyzer



A ril 10, 1956 D. RICCIARDI 2,741,118

TORQUE ANALYZER Filed June 11, 1953 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Q h o INVENTOI? fie f.

April 10, 1956 D. RICCIARDI 2,741,118

TORQUE ANALYZER Filed June 11, 1953 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 4 TTOENEYS.

April 10, 1 6 D. RICCIARDI 2,741,118

TORQUE ANALYZER Filed June 11, 1953 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 D. RICCIARDI TORQUE ANALYZER April 10, 1956 Filed June 11, 1953 IN rm "I 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 A TTOP/VEYS.

April 10, 1956 D. RlCClARDl 2,741,118

- TORQUE ANALYZER Filed June 11, 1953 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 ATTOPAAS'YS."

April 10, 1956 D. RICCIARDI 2,741,113

TORQUE ANALYZER Filed June 11, 1953 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 ATTORNEYS,

United States Patent TORQUE ANALYZER Domenico Ricciardi, Yonkers, N. Y.

Application June 11, 1953, Serial No. 361,101

7 14 Claims. (Cl. 73--1) (Granted under Title 35, U. S. Code (1952), see. 266) The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

This invention relates to torque analyzers and more particularly to analyzers for evaluating the torque characteristics of rotating components. The term rotating components is intended to include electrical, electronic, and mechanical components where each of the latter components includes a stator and a rotor. For example the term rotating components may include components such as variable air dielectric capacitors, variable ceramic dielectric capacitors, variable resistors, variable conductors, tuning units, gear mechanisms, and others. The aforesaid evaluation is directed to determining the magnitude of the torque necessary to move angularly a rotor of a rotating component under various controlled conditions.

Electrical components such as variable capacitors, variable resistors, and the like, are commonly used in electronic circuits. Each includes a rotor assembly and a stator assembly and each must be so fabricated that the amount of torque necessary to move its rotor relative to its stator is confined between certain predetermined limits. One general problem against which the torque analyzer of this invention is directed is most easily defined by a brief discussion of possible opposite extremes of torque necessary for moving the rotor of an electrical component. First, assuming that the rotor is so loose relative to the stator that substantially no torque is necessary for moving it relative to the stator; then the electrical component could not maintain any fixed setting. For example, after a capacitor is set to present a certain amount of capacitance at its terminals, any slight jar or vibration could disrupt the setting and change the value of capacitance presented at the terminals of the capacitor. Now assuming the other extreme; if it takes an unreasonably high torque to move the rotor relative to the stator for obtaining a certain value of capacitance at the terminals, not only would it be difiicult to turn the rotor but every time the rotor is turned it would likely overshoot the desired setting. The overshooting would make it extremely difficult to obtain a correct setting quickly. An additional problem that arises with the application of a very high torque to the rotor is that an accompanying axial thrust exceeding the elastic limit of the rotor structure may be applied to the rotor thereby damaging the capacitor. If the axial thrust does not exceed the elastic limit there will be at least a variation in the capacitance available at the terminals between the time a very high axial thrust is applied to the rotor (during setting) as compared to when no axial thrust is applied to the rotor. This necessarily means that after the correct setting is derived, removal of the axial thrust changes the value of capacitance available at the terminals. It becomes necessary to spend time on an additional adjustment or adjustments.

In addition, it may be required to determine the amount "ice of torque necessary to turn the rotor, when the rotor is restrained by an adjustable clutch-like member, which, in turn, is clamped to variable extents by a locknut. By tightening the locknut with the application of various amounts of torque, angular motion of the rotor will require corresponding various amounts of torque. If the thread of the locknut does not engage the clutch well, it may skip before the given amount of clamping is attained, or, the tightening of the nut may not produce the desired friction on the rotor, or, following tightening and loosening of the locknut several times, the effectiveness of the locknut may be lost. All these possibilities make it desirable to determine how effectively the rotor is restrained by various amounts of torque applied to the locknut. Furthermore, it is very important to determine whether the torque required for moving the rotor changes abruptly for particular orientations of the rotor. Furthermore, factors such as temperature and humidity cause a substantial variation in the torque necessary to move the rotor relative to the stator. It is important to determine the extent of such variation.

Due to peculiarities in design, construction, workmanship, and factory adjustment, the rotors of certain components can be turned much too easily, whereby the angular setting of the rotor is lost at the slightest impact or vibration. In other components turning of the rotor by the usual prescribed method such as through the use of a screw driver requires considerable effort and some axial pressure. While the efiort is applied, a deformation which is generally elastic occurs in the structure of the components even when the effort applied through the screwdriver is not sufficient to cause rotation. The deformation in turn causes changes in electrical value (capacitance, resistance, etc.) which changes may be great enough to become objectionable and very disturbing when fine adjustments are attempted. Furthermore, experience shows that in certain components the frictional response of rotating parts changes, often very abruptly, with changes in 'the angular orientation of the rotating parts. All of these conditions are undesirable; their severity as determined with the torque analyzer may be used to establish the acceptability of rotating components for general or special uses.

It is also well known that the performance of a rotating component is afiected by temperature, relative humidity, fatigue, wear, and protracted exposure to corrosive agents. Several tests covering various temperatures and humidities can be undertaken with the torque analyzer described herein. In addition, fatigue procedures establishing the effect of tightening and loosening the locknut, such as may be found on variable capacitors, a number of times or just turning the rotor of a particular component back and forth can be readily carried out. Information so derived may ultimately furnish criteria as to the suitability and life expectancy of components used in various applications.

It is important that tests on large quantities of components in the course of production consume as little time as possible particularly in mounting, connecting, and switching components and that a uniform test procedure be maintained for every component. The torque analyzer described herein ofiers a tool for uniform tests of sample lots in quick succession. All of the operations included in the tests adapted to be conducted by means of the torque analyzer are accurate. By means of simple centering jigs the mounting of components in the torque analyzer preparatory to tests can be accomplished with precision and ease. Through the use of a concentric double shaft the application of side thrust to the rotor of a component is eliminated. Provision is made for conducting tests without applying axial pressure on the iterator the componiit as: argue is lSEiEg applied thereto. Where axial pres' ure is necessary it can be applied with accuracy and maintained or changed at will. 3 Thatorque analyier ofthis invention is designed for cond ucting test s onele ct rical components under controlled conditions to the end of discarding electrical components that are defective and additionally to supply information for use in the proper design of componerits to be used in various ambient conditions. 'lhe invntion includes a housing having a chamb e r in which the ambient conditi'on s. can be selectively controlled. Additionally provided are a plurality arranger adaptors f onap'plying torque to the rotor and the means for the rotor.

A bias ed reciprocable membe s included to provide a selectively variable accurately 'defihcdairial thrust to the rotoras torque is applied thereto. The torque analyzer also includes a novel arrangement for. mounting a plural ity. o fele'ctrical components within the housing at one time and for making separate electrical connections to each component summe During the performance or. a test novel indexing means facilitate the accurate positioning of each electrical component within the housing as it is selected fortest.

object of this invention is to provide a torque lZ L further object is to provide a torque analyzer for determining the magnitude of the torque necessary to overcome friction between a stator and a rotor.

A further object is to provide a torque analyzer for use in connection with electrical or electronic components. A further object is to provide a torque analyzer for performing tests on small electrical or electronic com"- ponent's, each of which have a stator and a rotor, and with or without locking means.

H :A further object is to provide a torque analyzer for s in determining changes in electrical properties of electrical or electronic components during and following application of torque and/or axial pressure.

A further object is to provide a torque analyzer for determining the torque necessary 'to overcome friction between stator and rotor, or to determine changes in the electrical properties of electrical and electronic components'during and'following application of torque and/ or axial pressure which determinations are made at various conditions of temperature and relative humidity.

I A further object is to provide a torque analyzer for performing tests on electrical components having a rotor and a'stator with 'or without locking means which tests are performed under 'a plurality of selectively controlled conditions.

A further object is to provide'a torque analyzer for determining the effects of fatigue and wear on components having a stator and a rotor under controlled ambient conditions. further object is to provide a torque analyierfor performing tests on electrical components having a rotor and a stator with or without locking means which tests are performed under a plurality of selectively controlled conditions.

A further object is to provide ator que analyzer for determining the efiects of fatigue and wear on components :having a stator and a rotor under controlled ambient conditions. p

A further object is to provide a torque analyzer for performing tests on electrical components having a rotor and a stator'to determine the amount of torque necessary to rotate the rotor relative to the stator whenthe rotor is 'clamped to various degrees of clamping by a locking means and under a plurality of selectively controlled conditions. V, p p v I A further object is to provide a torque: analyzer adapted to perform torque tests on electricalcompon'ents while they are included in electrical'circuits.

A furtherobject is todeter'mine theadded friction which opposes the angular motion of a rotor relative to its Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein;

Fig. l is a schematic diagram showing the relationship of the essential components comprising this invention, p

Fig. 2 is a front plan view of the invention with one door removed,

Fig. 3 is a side view of the invention'with one side of the housing removed, p 1

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along the plane 4-4 of Fig'. 2 and including generally only those parts which exist in the section plane, I,

Fig. 4a is a fragment of Fig. 4 on an enlarged scale and shows a test specimen mounted on the invention,

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane 5- 5 of Fig. 3,

Fig, 6 is afractional sectional P an of g- Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along the plane 7-'-7 of Fig. 3,

view taken along the Fig. '8 is a fractional sectional view taken along the plane 8-8 of Fig. 3, I

Fig. 9 is a plan View of the mounting disc, 7 V V V Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along the plane 10-40 of Fig. 3, V p w V Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the concentric shafts and the torque gauges,

, Fig. 12 is a cross-section view taken along the plane l2 12 of Fig. 3, h Fig. 13 is across-sectional view taken along the plane 13-13 of Fig. 3, V

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane 14--14 of Fig. 3, I V, Fig. 15 is anend view'taken along the plane 15--15 of g- V Fig. 16 is a top view of the supporting brackets for the axial thrust assembly,

Figs. 17 and 18 are side and front views respectively of one of the studs for use on the brackets of Fig. 16,

Figs. 19 20 are side and end view respectively of a and 29 are plan, top, and side views of an auxiliary support designed for use with this invention,

Fig. '30 is a fractional view of the mounting disc shown Fig. 31 is a fractional view of the 'position indexing disc,

Figs. 32 and33 are "sectional 'views on anfenla'r'ged scale taken along the planes 32:32 and 33- 3'3 of Fig. 4, and

Fig. 34 is a fractional sectional view of the end portion ofone typeof condenser "having 'a nut andtapered clutch adapted to be tested by this invention.

In Fig. 1 the relationship of the essential components forming this invention is shown schematically. A housing 19 enclosing a conditioning chamber is included in the invention to permit the torque analyzer to be used on elcctrical components under controlled ambient conditions. The housing includes a door 12. Substantially the entire structure comprising this invention is mounted on the door 12. Mounted on one side of the door 12 and arranged to be included within the conditioning chamber in an environment of controlled ambient conditions is a supporting framework structure 14. Centrally mounted for rotation in the supporting framework structure 14 is a positioning shaft 16 having an end 18 which projects through the door 12 to mount a position indexing disc 20.

The opposite end 22 of the positioning shaft 16 projects through the supporting framework structure 14. Pixedly mounted intermediate the ends 18 and 22 of the positioning shaft 16 is a cable reel 24 and a mounting disc 26. The mounting disc 26 is designed to support for torque analyzing tests a plurality of evenly spaced electrical components test specimens one of which is shown at 28. Each electrical component 23 is accurately positioned on the mounting disc 25 and has a rotor assembly 32 and a stator assembly 34. The stator assembly 3 of each of the electrical components 28 supported on the mounting disc 26 is disposed on one side of the mounting disc whereas the free end of the rotor assembly 32 projects through and is accessible at the other side of the mounting disc 26.

' The cable reel 24- is provided for spatially distributing the plurality of electric wires 36 of an electric cable 38 for connection to the electrical component test specimens 28. Since the cable reel 24 and the mounting disc 26 are unitarily rotatable by means of the positioning shaft 16 the electric wires 35 are precluded from becoming entangled during the progress of a test. The positioning shaft 16 along with its associated elements which include the position indexing disc 20, the mounting disc 26, and the cable reel 2 is arranged to be revolved a predetermined fraction of a complete revolution for accurately positioning each electrical component test specimen 28 consecutively. The tests are performed on one specimen at a time.

For moving the positioning shaft accurately to the subsequent angular position to accurately locate the next electrical component test specimen 2%, a positioning knob 38 and an aligning rod 44 are cooperatively associated with the positioning shaft 16. The positioning knob 38 includes one or a plurality of actuating studs 4%. By rotating the positioning knob So each stud 49 engages one of a continuous series of teeth on the position indexing disc 24 to cause a partial revolution of the positioning shaft 16 through an angle determined by the design of the position indexing disc 28 and the studs on the positioning knob 38. Greater accuracy is derived in rotating the positioning shaft 16 to each angular position by employing aligning rod mensioned to come into registration with a corresponding accurately dimensioned hole in the mounting disk 26. Therefore by means of the semi-fine adjustment achieved through the use of the studs 49 on the positioning knob 38 coming into engagement with teeth on the position indexing disk 20 and the extra-fine adjustment achieved through the use of the aligning rod 4 the positioning shaft 16 may be sequentially moved to consecutive anglar positions for accurately positioning each electrical component 23 in the same position as the preceding electrical component to have the desired torque analyzing tests performed thereon.

The torque analyzing tests are performed on each electrical component 28 through the medium of a pair of concentric shafts 46 and 48 which are rotatably mounted in the door 12. The axes of the shafts 4-6 and 48 are aligned with the axis of the rotor 32 of the electrical component test specimen 28 in test position. The end of the shaft 48 within the conditioning chamber terminates in The aligning rod 44 is accurately dithe form of a tool tip such as a screw driver tip 50. The end of the shaft 46 adjacent the screw driver tip '50 likewise terminates in the form of a tool. The tool may be a multi-tooth socket or multi-surface socket such as a hexagonal socket wrench 52. The screw driver tip 50 is adapted for engagement with a slot on the free end of the test specimen rotor 32. The hexagonal socket 52 is adapted for engagement with a lookout, if any, disposed about the rotor 32 for clamping a rotor clutch. It is to be understood that screw driver tip 50 and socket 52 can be replaced by any tool of the needed shape and size depending upon the design of the electrical component 28. The shafts 46 and 48 are separately movable axially relative to the electrical component 28 to permit the tips of shafts 46 and 43 to be applied separately to the electrical component 28. The shaft 43 is provided on its free end 54 beyond door 2 with a torque guage 56. Correspondingly the end 553 of the shaft 48 outside of the removable door 12 is provided with a torque gauge 62. The respective torque gauges 56, 62 afford a quantitative indication of the torque that is applied through the shafts 46 and 48 to corresponding portions of the electrical component test specimen 28. The shafts 56 and 48 may be used separately or simultaneously. A calibrated adjustable axial thrust device 64 is provided and is positioned for abutting engagement with the end 58 of shaft While torque is applied through shaft 48 to rotor 32. The axial thrust device 64 is mounted on a bracket 66 that is rotatably supported relative to the door 12 and is adapted to have two positions whereby the pressure controlling device 64- may be selectively in engagement with or out of engagement with the end 58 of shaft 5%.

For a more complete description of the preferred embodiment of this invention schematically illustrated in Fig. 1 reference is made to the other figures of the drawings. The housing It) is a temperature insulated housing adapted to be provided with means, not shown, for controlling the ambient conditions such as temperature and humidity. The means for controlling the ambients is not shown on the drawing in order to avoid unnecessary confusion and also because it comprises commercially available equipment. The housing 1% is formed with an opening 68 (Figs. 2-4) in one of its sides. The opening 68 is adapted to be closed by a pair of doors only one of which, 12, is shown. The other door which is not shown can include a glass Window and is adapted to be secured by means locking hinges 73 and '74 and by brackets 72 and 75. When the doors close the opening 68 the chamber included by the housing 1%) is effectively sealed off from outside ambient conditions. The door 12 is mounted on the housing 19 by means of hinges 7S.

Substantially the entire apparatus comprising the torque analyzer is mounted on the hinged door 12. Fermanently secured to the inner surface of the hinged door 12 is a supporting framework structure 14. The supporting framework structure 14 includes a pair of opposed end channels 82 and 84 (Figs. 3 and 4). The end channels 82 and 84 are secured to one another by means of four flat strips 36 (see also Fig. 5) and a plurality of screws 83. Top and bottom reinforcing strips 2 (Fig. 5) are included between the connecting strips 86. Angularly disposed reinforcing straps 94 fastened by screws 95 to the end channel 84 and the fiat connecting strips 36 are provided to ensure against fleXure of the supporting framework structure 14. Fastened to the end channel 32 by screws 98 is a short bent strap 96. The strap 96 mounts a cable support means 1E2 (Figs. 3 and 5) to minimize wear of the insulation as the cable moves. Another strap 104 is secured by means of screws 1% to the opposite end channel 34. A pair of axially aligned cylindrical guides 1128 and 119 are fixedly secured to the strap 194 by soldering or brazing to provide an accurate guide for the aligning rod 44 indicated in the schematic diagram of Fig. l. The cylindrical guides 108 and 110 are more clearly shv'vn in the cross-sectional s'iews of Fig. 7 and Fig; 8'.- A pair of axially aligned bores 112- and 1-14 are formed in the end channels 82 and 84 for receiving the positioning shaft 16. Bearings 116 and 118 are secured to the end channels 82 and 84, respectively, concentrically with the bores 112 and 114. In addition to having the bore 114, the end channel 84 is formed with an additional bore 122. The additional bore 122 is adapted to receive the concentric shafts 46 and 48. Secured within the bore 122 is a ball bearing support 124 fixedto the channel 84 by any suitable means and mounting a ball bearing 126. it is intended that the ball bearings are for illustration only since other known bearing means may be substituted. Force fitted within the inner race of the ball'beari'ng 126 is an elongated bearing sleeve 128. A closure disk 132 is mounted on the opposite side of the end channel 84 for minimizing the amount of dirt that tends to get into the ball bearing 126 and the bearing sleeve 128. The entire supporting framework structure 14 is secured to the door v12 by means of four brackets '13-?- (Fig. 3) fastened to the sides of the channel 84 by screws 135 and four bolts 11m passing through aligned bores in the door 12 and the brackets 134. Supporting framework structure 14 is of such size relative to the opening 68 in the housing it as to permit the door 12 to reely swing to open or closed position on its hinges 78.

A bore 142 is formed in the door 12 to permit the mounting of the positioning shaft 16 in the bearings 116 and i e with the end 18 of the positioning shaft 16 extending freely through the bore 142 of the door 12 and projecting beyond the outer side of the door. The collars 144 and 146 are fixedly mounted on the shaft '16 by means of set screws 159 to prevent the shaft 16 from moving axially relative to the supporting framework structure '14. Flanged collar 148 supports the positioning disk 28.

The mounting disk 26 is secured intermediate the ends of the shaft 16 by means of a pair of pipe flanges 152. The pipe flanges 152 are fastened to the disc 26 and the shaft 16 so that the disc 26 is coaxially positioned relative to the shaft in'a plane perpendicular to the axis thereof. The mounting disk 26 is adapted to support a plurality of equally spaced electrical components 28 each of which has a rotor 32 and a stator 34. For purposes of illustration the electrical components 28 shown herein are air capacitors. The electrical components 28 include a pair of electrical terminals 154 and 156. A detail view of th mounting disc 26 is shown in Fig, 9. The mounting disc 26 is formed with several circular series of openings. A central opening 158 permits the disc 26 to be mounted on the shaft 16. The three equally spaced openings 168 which are adapted to be aligned with corresponding openings in the pipe flanges 152'are for receiving fastening screws or bolts, not shown, whereby the .pipefiangesiSZ secure the mounting disc 26 to the shaft 16. A series of equally-spaced openings 162 cooperate with the aligning "rod 44 as seen in Figs. 1 and 3 to give that extra'fi'ne adjustment to the mounting disc 26 for accurately defining each of the indexed positions of the positioning shaft 16.

A corresoondin luralit of o enings 164, one for each of the indexing openings 162 are adapted to receive the electrical component test specimens 28. The two small *holes 166 one on each side of *eachof the openings164 are for fastening screws to secure each of the electrical component test specimens 28 to the mounting disc 26.

' The mounting disc 26 shown herein is designed to support eighteen electrical component test specimens.

The cable reel 24 is mounted on the positioning shaft 16 adjacent to the mounting disc 26. The cable reel 24 comprises a sleeve 1 2 terminating at one end in a flange i 174 and fixed to the positioningshaft-M by means of set screws 175 (Figs. 3 and 4). of insulating material are concentrically mounted on the "sleeve 17?. and are fixedly secured :in spaced relationship 'r of discs 176and 178 to one another by means of spacing cylinders 180 of insulating material and fastening means such as elongated screws 182 extending through the cylinders and in engagement with both discs 176, 178. The subassembly of discs 176 and 178 is fixedly secured to the sleeve 172 by means of a pipe flange 184 which in turn in fixedly secured to the sleeve 172 by means of set screws 186. The cable reel 24 is adapted to support and distribute the wires of a cable 38 passing through the cable support means 102. The cable reel 24 is shown in greater detail in Figs. 5 and 10. As seen in Fig. 5, the spacing cylinders 180 and the screws extending through the spacing cylinders to fixedly secure the two discs 176 and 178 are spaced equiangulariy about the axis of the disc 176. However one'of the combined cylinders and fasteners 180, 182 is at a smaller radius from the axis of the shaft 16 than are the other iive combined cylinders and fastening means 188, 132. The purpose of this arrangement is to provide for a convenient splitting of the cable 38 into two halves each of which comprise an equal number of wires 36. The two halves of the cable 38 terminate on the cable reel 24, 180 apart. The half of the cable 38 which is wrapped around the cable reel 24 for an additional 180 rests against the spacing cylinder 186 which is set at the shortest radial distance from the axis of the shaft 16. The cable 38 is divided into two equal groups of wires to permit ready distribution of the wires about the periphery of the disk 178. The disk 178 of the cable reel 24 is formed with three circular series of openings 186, 188,

1% one opening of each series being in radial alignment with one opening of each of the other two series. The two halves of the cable '38 pass through the diametrically opposed bores 1% and 1% formed in the disk 173 and the pipe flange 1S4 combined. The cable 38 comprises 36 wires divided into two groups of eighteen wires each forpassage ti "ough the bores 192 and 194 and for subsequent distribution about the periphery of disk 178. Distribution in pairs, each pair of wires 36 is threaded through one of tne series of openings and then reversed so as to be threaded back through the disk separately through the corresponding openings in the series 186 and 188, respectively. By means of the cable reel 24 which rotates with the positioning shaft 16 and thus with the mounting disc 26, a proper separation and distribution of the wires 36 is preserved during a complete revolution of the shaft 16 to permit the performance of torque analyzing tests on eighteen electrical components that are mounted on the disc 26. The thirty-six wires of the cable 3%) makes it possible to separately connect each of the electrical component test specimens 28 to a separate source of potential and/ or power. The cable 38 has sufficient slack between the cable 'supportmeans 102 and the-reel 24 to permit a complete revolution of the shaft 16 without interference by the cable 38. The cable 38 also has sutficient slack to permit unrestricted opening of the door 12 (Fig. 2). The cable 38 is connected through a supporting bracket 1% to a distributing panel 198 having thirty-six terminals 210 presented to the outside of the housing 10. Terminals 218 are adapted to be connected to any source 'of potential and/or power, not shown, and suitable meters.

The end 18 of the shaft '16 which projects through the opening 142 in the housing 19 mounts a position indexing disc 28. The position indexing disc 20 is axially secured to the end 18 of positioning shaft 16. The enlarged fractional view of the position indexing disc 20 as seen in Fig. 31 shows that the disk is formed with a plurality of equally-spaced peripheral interruptions 212 to provide teeth 213. The peripheralinterruptions 212 in the posi tion indexing disk 29 are designed for registration with actuating studs 46 actuatable by thepositioning knob 38.

The pcsitioningknob 38 and the actuating studs 4810-.

ing knob 38 and a member 222 fixed to the positioning knob 38. A pair of collars 224 and 226 prevent axial movement of the transverse bar 218 along the shaft 216. One half revolution of the positioning knob 38 causes of a revolution of the position indexing disc 29 and the positioning shaft 16 to which it is secured. At assembly the relative angular positions of the mounting disk 26 and the position indexing disk 20 are accurately correlated.

Extra-fine adjustment of the positioning shaft 16 is obtained by use of the aligning rod 44. The aligning rod 44 terminates in a knurled knob 228 on the outside of the door 12. The opposite end of the rod 44 reduces from a diameter which is dimensioned for a sliding fit through the openings 162 of the mounting disk 26 to a pointed end 232. The pointed end 232 facilitates insertion of the rod 44. The aligning rod 44 reciprocates in the cylindrical guides 108 and 110. The bores of guides 108 and 110 are likewise accurately dimensioned relative to the diameter of the rod so that the latter reciprocates with a sliding fit in the guides 108 and 110. A collar 234 is positioned on the rod 44 between the cylindrical guides 108, 110 and is secured to the rod by means of a set screw 236. The collar 234 limits the inward travel of the rod 44. Surrounding the rod 44 between the collar 234 and the cylindrical guide 110 is a compression coil spring 238. To retain the rod 44 in withdrawn position a radial pin 24! is provided on the shaft 44. The pin 240 is movable in a groove, not shown, in the door 12. By pulling out the rod 44 and then rotating it slightly the radially projecting pin 24% prevents the compression coil spring 238 from moving the rod 44 back nto engagement with the mounting disc 26. The aligning rod 44 not only serves the purpose or" an extra-fine adjusting means for use in conjunction with the position indexing disk 20 but also serves to lock the shaft 16 in any one of its eighteen positions so that torque analyzing tests are performed on an electrical component test specimen 28 mounted on the disk 26 as the latter occupies a fixed position.

The torque analyzing tests are performed by means of a pair of concentric shafts 46 and 48 mounting a pair of torque gauges 56 and 62, respectively. The pair of shafts 46 and 48 are accurately positioned and extend through the bore 122 in the channel 84 and the bore 242 in the door 12 of the housing 19. The shaft 46 is slidably and rotatably mounted in a pair of spaced bearing sleeves one of which, 128, has been previously described in connection with the description of the supporting framework structure 14. The other of the bearing sleeves, 244, is mounted on the outside face of the door 12 coaxially with the bearing sleeve 123. Where ball bearings are used the bearing sleeve 244 is press-fitted Within the inner race of ball bearing 246. The ball bearing 246 is supported by four equally-spaced screws 248 each of which are radially threaded through the support and dirt shielding means 250 fixed to the outer race of the door 12. The adjusting screws 248 are provided for aligning the bearing sleeves 12S and 244 so that there is no binding and an accurate sliding fit exists between the bearing sleeves 128, 244 and the shaft 46.

The shaft 46 (Figs. 4 and 11) is made from a length of tube. The outer surface of the tube forming shaft 46 is smooth and even to permit the shaft 46 to rotate and reciprocate in the two bearings provided therefor. Inside both ends of the tube forming shaft 46 there are secured in conventional manner a pair of ball bearings 256 and 258. Fixed to one end of the shaft 46 is a hexagonal socket 262 or other type socket which is adapted to engage a locknut on the electrical component 28, under test, to transfer torque to the locknut on the electrical component. An adaptor 263 connects the hexagonal socket 262 to the end of the shaft 46. vThe opposite end of the shaft 46 mounts a commercially available torque gauge 56. The torque gauge 56 includes 2. depending radial resilient member 266 terminating in a knob 268.

Fixed to the resilient member 266 of the torque gauge 56 at the end opposite the knob 268 is a pointer 272. The resilient member 266 supports a specially calibrated scale 274 which is positioned adjacent the end of the pointer 272. Flexible member 266 along with the pointer 272 are secured to the shaft 46 by means of a torque gauge adaptor 276 (Fig. 12). The torque gauge adaptor 276 is formed with a bore 278 and a second bore 282. The bore 273 of adaptor 276 is formed for a smooth sliding fit on the outer surface of the shaft 46. The adaptor 276 is slotted to provide communication between the second bore 232 and the periphery of the adaptor. The torque gauge 56 is mounted in the bore 282 of the adaptor 276 and depends radially from the adaptor 276. A pair of thumb screws 284 having enlarged knurled heads 286 are provided to readily fix the adaptor 276 relative to the shaft 46. When torque is manually applied to the shaft 46 by gripping the knob 268, the resilient member 266 flexes and the amount of torque applied can be read on the calibrated scale 274 adjacent the free end of pointer 272.

The shaft 48 is concentrically mounted within the shaft 46 and supported for free axial and rotational movement by the ball bearings 256 and 258. The end of the shaft 43 adjacent the hexagonal socket 262 on the shaft 46 is formed into a screw driver end 238. The opposite end of the shaft 43 supports a commercially available torque gauge 62 which similar to the torque gauge 56 secured to the end of shaft 46. In order to secure the torque gauge 62 to the shaft 43 so that it is also selectively rotatable relative to the shaft 48 or fixed relative to the shaft 43, the shaft 48 is terminated in a knob-like member 292. Am adaptor 2 3 4 fitting loosely onto the knob-like member 222 is provided with an internal fia'nge 226 and a second flange 293 secured to the adaptor 294 relative to the shaft 43 substantially to simple rotation. The adaptor .294 (Fig. 13) is provided with a pair of thumb screws 296 which are similar to the thumb screws 284 on the adaptor 2'76. When screwdriver portion 238 is engaged with the rotor, torque gauge 62 can be rotated if desired and placed vertically or any angle and tightened up. Pixedly secured in the reduced end 295 of the adaptor 294 is the gauge support portion 2% of the adaptor 294 formed as a slotted cap. The gauge support portion 293 is bored and slotted (Fig. 14) for receiving the gauge 62 and mounting it on the shaft 48. The end of the gauge support portion 2% is formed with an accurate axial conical recess 392. Both shafts are rotatable with a minimum of friction. When disengaged from an electrical component test specimen 2% and rotated by turning the torque gauges 5'6, 62 substantially zero torque is indicated on the torque gauges scales.

The torque analyzer further provides for the application of torque to the rotor member 32 of an electrical component test specimen 2% by means of the shaft 43 while axial thrust is imposed on the shaft The apparatus for imposing the axial thrust upon the shaft 43 is generally shown at 315 in Fig. 3. The apparatus 31% includes a support bracket 312 fixed to the door 12, a bracket 314 pivotally mounted on the support bracket 312 and a thrust assembly 316 at the free end of the bracket 314. The brackets 312 and 314 are mostly clearly shown on Figs. 2, 3, and 16. The support bracket 312 includes a pair of opposed strengthened members 313 fixed to the door 12. The members 318 are formed with axially aligned bores 32% for receiving threaded studs 522 (Figs. 17 and 18). Each stud 322 is formed with an integral, soldered, or brazed nut 324 and is threaded on both sides of the nut. Supporting a fiat washer 326 each of the studs 322 is mounted in the bores 32% and fixed to the members 313 by means of a nut and lock washer 323. Threaded onto the stud 322 on the opposite side of the nut 324 is a wing nut 332. The studs 332 are each fixedly secured to the members 318 and the wing nuts 332 are provided for fixedly bracket 362 is a thumb screw or screws 384.

grants fastening the bracket 314 with the thrust assembly 316 in operable position. The free ends of each of'the members 313 are. formed with bores 336. A-hollow stud 338 (Figs. 19 and 20) is mounted in the bores 336 and lined to the members 318 bymeans of a nutfidti. The outside diameters of the threaded portion of the studs 322 and 333 are purposely made smaller than the corresponding bores in order to. permit adjustment of the studs in the bracket. A pair of bearing sleeves 342, each of which has an outside bearing surface, are secured against the integral nuts of the studs 33% by means of nut and loci; WC assemblies 344. The bracket 314 is arranged for pivotal movement on the bearing sleeves 342. Extending through the aligned hollow studs 33-8 is an elongated bolt 3 3-6 having a head 34% and held against removal by means of a pair of locknuts 359.

, The bracket 3314 (Figs. 2 and 3) is formed and pivoted like a bell crank. The arms 354 of the bracket 314 are slotted at 356 for registration with the studs 322 secured to the bracket 312. By tightening the wing nuts 332 when the bracket 314 is in the position shown in Fig. 3 thrust ass mbly 316 is fixedly positioned in operating reiatioi 'p relative to the shaft d3.

T he thrust assembly 31.5 (Figs. 21 and 22) is secured to the'end of the bracket by means of screws 36% (Fig. 2). The thrust assembly 316 comprises a bracket 362 formed with a pair of axially aligned bores and 366. Bores 354 and see are of substantially the same diameter. or slots 36%. A hollow shaft 37 is slidably mounted in the axially aligned bores 364 and 3156 of the bracket 362. The hollow shaft 37% supports a pair of spaced fixed collars 372 and 374 to lhnit the axial movement of the v hollow shaft 37h through the bores 364 and see. Between the collars 3'72 and 37% the hollow shaft 37i3'is provided with a radially extending pin 3'76 for registration with the slot 36% extending radially from bore 364.

Mounted on the hollow shaft 37% between the collar 374- and the end plate 37-3 of the bracket 352 is a compression coil spring 333. The hollow shaft 37% terminates in a knurled knob 332for manual movement of the hollow shaft 374). Threaded radially through the hollow shaft 379 between the knob 332 and the end plate 378 of the The surface of the hollow shaft 3'79 is calibrated in terms of axial thrust at 336. Disposed within the hollow shaft 57a is a pressure rod 390 terminating at one end in a knurled knob 392 and at its opposite end in a conical tip 394. The pressure rod 39%) is adapted to be secured to the hollow shaft 37% by means of the thumb screw 384. i

The relative axial positions of the hollow shaft pressure rod 7t"? and 396 determines the amount of axial thrust applied through the conical tip 394 of the rod seem the shaft 48. in order to achieve axial alignment of the pressure rod 3% and the shaft 48, the studs 322 and 335 are loosened and adjusted in the corresponding bores of bracket 312.

Since a variety of electrical components are adapted to be tested by the torque analyzer of this invention and include rotors of various dimensions, there are provided centering jigs such as are shown in Figs. 23 through 26 and which are designed for aiding in the accurate mounting of the electrical component test specimens on the mounting disc 26. The mounting jigs in- 'clude disc-like portions 396a and 396;, respectively,

formed with arcuate cutouts for clearing the securing elements that pass through the holes 166 of 'mounting disc 26 (Fig. 9) and also include bosses 396s and 3960!, respectively which are accurately dimensioned for insertion into the openings 164 in the mounting disc 26. The inside diameter of the bores through the jigs are designed to fit around the. electrical specimens locknut or correspond to the diameter of the portion of. the -electrical component that projects through the disc 26. As the centering jigs accurately positions the specimens,

The core 366 communicates with the radial slot fastening screws through opening 166 are adapted to engage threaded openings in. the specimen. The openings 166 are generally larger than the fasteningscrews. For other types of components such as small ceramic trimmer condensers it is necessary to provide an auxiliary support for mounting the condensers on the mounting disc 26. Such an auxiliary support is shown in Figs. 27 through 29 and is illustrative of one type of support that may be used in connection with the torque analyzer of this invention.

operation the torque analyzer is prepared for use with the door 12 in open position. The aligning rod 44 is withdrawn and rotated so that its pin 240 prevents the spring 238 from moving it inward into engagement with the mounting disc 26. The wing nuts 332 on the bracket 312 are loosened and the bracket 314 is pivoted so that the thrust assembly 316 is out of engagement with the shaft 48. Both of the shafts 46 and do are pulled outwardly so that the ends bearing the hexagonal socket and the screwdriver are spaced 7 from the mounting disc 26 and from any electrical com ponents that may be mounted thereon. The wires 36 which may terminate in clips, not shown, dangle freely. if desired, the transverse bar 218 supporting the actuating studs 44 may be positioned horizontally so as to not to interfere with free rotation of the position indexing disk 2% and consequently the positioning shaft 16; The torque analyzer is thus made ready for mounting up to and including. eighteen electrical component test specimens 28 for test. One by one the electrical components 28 are mounted on the disc with the help, if needed, of centering jigs as shown in Figs. 23 through 26 or auxiliary supports, a. sample of which is shown in Figs. 27 through 29. For aiding in this description it is assumed that the electrical component test specimens 28 to be tested are small air capacitors. The air capacitors the help of the centering jigs shown in Figs. 23 through 26 and secured to the disc 25 by means of screws passing through openings 166 in the disc and engaging with threaded openings normally provided in the small type air capacitors for mounting. it is further assumed for this portion of the description that the rotor 32 of each of the air capacitors being tested terminates in a slotted end adapted to receive a screw driver for revolving the rotor. Where the rotor does not have a slot an auxiliary adaptor may be mounted on the end of the rotor and be formed with a slot. A nut is included on a stationary part of each air capacitor 28 and cooperates with a slotted tapered part surrounding a portion of the rotor 32 (see Fig. 34). The description of this type of air capacitor is being alluded to very briefly since it is a commercial item well known to the art. it is likewise known that tightening the not on the air capacitor increases the frictional engagement between the rotor of the air capacitor and the bearing in which it is rotatable. After the air capacitors areall mounted on the disk 25 the wires 36' of the cable 38 are then connected to the terminals of each of the air capacitors 28. If the electrical component test specimens 28 are not all commercially. identical it is necessary for the person performing the tests to record the correlation between the particular electrical component test specimens andthe teeth 213 on the position indexing disk 29. The left door is provided with a glass window. Thus, it is possible'to see the specimen engaged at any time. Suitable indicia may be engraved on' the surface of the disk 20 and corresponding indicia on the mounting disk '26 to simplify the recording for the person performing the tests.

After completion of all the; preliminary steps the door 12 is pivoted on, its hinges into closed position relative to the housing. 19. The other door for the housing 10,. not sho. is. likewise mounted into place to close and seal the, opening 68. or" the housing. The

desired ambientconditions may then be set up within,

the housing by means of auxiliary equipment, previouslyv a revolution of the disc 20, and disengages itself from the disk 20. An electrical component test specimen is thus brought roughly into position for the test. in order to insure proper alignment of the electrical component test specimen 28 the aligning rod 44 is partially rotated by means of knurled knob 228 to bring its pin 240 into registration with the slot in the door 12 thereby permitting the aligning rod 44 to be forced into registration with a bore 162 to finely adjust the position of the electrical component test specimen 28 and also lock it in fixed position'for the duration of the test on that particular electric component test specimen. With the shaft 48 withdrawn relative to the tubular shaft 46 the tubular shaft 46 is moved inward into the chamber enclosed by the housing. so that the socket 262 engages the nut on the electrical component test specimen 28. With the thumb screws 284 tightened down against the shaft 48 torque is applied to the nut on the electrical component test specimen 28 by manually grasping the knob 268 of the torque gauge 56 to rotate the shaft 46. The shaft 46 is thereby rotated very slowly until the pointer 272 aligns with a particular calibration mark on the scale 274 of the torque gauge 56. With the nut on the electrical component thus tightened with this predetermined torque the next portion of the torque anmyzing test is commenced. The shaft 46 is withdrawn so that the hexagonal socket 262 is withdrawn from engagement with the nut on the electrical component test specimen. The shaft 48 is then slid inwardly relative to the shaft 46 until its screwdriver end 288 comes into engagement with the screwdriver slot at the free end of the rotor 32 of the electrical component test specimen 28.

The bracket 314 is pivoted into operative position and after checking to see that the pressure rod 394 is axially aligned with the shaft 48 the bracket 314 is fixedly secured by means of wing nuts 332 to the support bracket 312. The desired amount of axial thrust for application to the shaft 46 during the torque analyzing test is set by loosening the thumb screw 384 of the thrust assembly 316 and adjusting the relative positions of the hollow shaft 370 and the pressure rod 390. When the conical end 394 of the pressure rod 398 is in proper abutting relationship with the conical depression 302 in the cap 298 of the adaptor 294 and the screwdriver end 288 of the shaft 48 engaged within the screwdriver slot of the specimen electrical component 28 the shaft 378 is held to present the selected thrust calibration end thumb screw 384 is tightened whereby this preset axial thrust is imposed upon the rotor of the electrical component test specimen 28. The thrust may be made to be equal to zero by tightening the pressure rod in a position where it just touches depression 362. the rotors of the electrical component test specimens 28 project different amounts for different type specimens settings have to be changed for different type specimens. The thrust assembly is maintained inactive till used by means of pin 376 and slot 368.

The knob at the end of the shaft 370 of the thrust assembly 316 is then grasped and rotated slightly to bring the radial pin 376 into registration with the radial slot communicating with the bore 364 whereby the compression coil spring 380 forces the end 394 of the pressure rod 390 into engagement with the center of the conical depression in the end of the portion 298 of the adaptor 294. A quick check of the calibration marks on the shaft 370 indicates whether the proper axial thrust is being applied to the rotor of the electrical component Since 7 14 test specimen 28. With the thumb screw 296 for fixing the torque gauge 62 relative to the shaft 48 tightened down, torque is applied to the rotor of the electrical component test specimen 28 through the torque gauge '62. The amount of torque necessary to rotate the rotor 32 of the electrical component test specimen 28 under the conditions previously .set up is recorded. The test on the same electrical component test specimen may be extended by varying the amount of axial thrust applied to the shaft 48 and obtaining the corresponding torque; also it may be desirable to obtain data with varying tightness of the nut on the electrical component test specimen. During the progress of the test it may be desired to measure changes in the electrical charac- 'teristics of the component undergoing test. This is done by including a suitable meter in the circuit which includes the voltage and/or power supply and the electrical component 28 being tested. This data may likewise be recorded. The effects of changes of the locknut posi 'tion, fatigue and wear of locknut and rotor may likewise be determined.

After a test on a particular electrical component test specimen 28 is completed the next electrical component test specimen 28 is ready to be brought into proper position for performing the torque analyzing test previously described thereon. This is accomplished by first deactivating the thrust assembly 316. The knurled knob 382 is grasped and pulled to withdraw the pin 376 through slot 368 and then rotating shaft 378 slightly. Next both vof the shafts 46 and 48 are withdrawn so that the ends thereof are spaced from and clear of the mounting disc 26 and the electrical component test specimen 28. Next the aligning rod 44 is withdrawn by grasping the knurled knob 228 and pulling back against the bias of the coil spring 238 until the radial pin 249 is beyond the outer surface of the door 12. By rotating the aligning rod 44 slightly the pin 240 retains the aligning rod 44 in withdrawn position. The knob 38 is then rotated half a revolution so that an actuating stud 40 again comes into a registration with one of the interruptions 212 in the disc 20 to rotate the disk 5 of a revolution. By means of the aligning rod 44 the mounting disc 26 is again finely adjusted and locked in position to permit the series of torque analyzing tests to be performed on the electrical component test specimen Whose rotor is now in axial alignment with the shaft 46 and 48. The test described may thus be performed on all eighteen electrical component test specimens 28 mounted on the disc 26. As the shaft 16 is progressively rotated the cable 38 is tightened around the reel 24 but does not interfere with rotation of the shaft 16 for at least a complete revolution of the shaft 16.

The door 12 and the assembled elements of the torque analyzer are adapted to be removed bodily from the housing 10 and mounted on an oven, refrigerator, or the like.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

I claim:

l. A torque analyzer for determining torque require ments of components having a rotor and a stator, said torque analyzer comprising a housing including a test chamber; a specimen support in the housing for supporting test specimens, selectively in and out of test position; positioner means mounted on the housing and supporting the specimen support for accurately displacing the specimen support according to a predetermined schedule for positioning consecutive test specimens in test position; an axial thrust assembly mounted on the housing and adapted to be in axial alignment with the rotor of a test specimen in test position to apply controlled amounts of axial thrust to the rotor of each test specimen in test position; a torque applying and gauging assembly mounted in the housing specimen support to prevent any included-electric wiresfrom becoming entangled or interfering with'movement of said positioner means.

2. A torque analyzer for determining torque requirementsof components having a rotor, a rotor clutch means and a stator, said torquev analyzer comprising a housing, said housing including a chamber, a series of electrical terminals'extending through a wall of said housing, a hinged door on said housing for mounting substantially the entire torque analyzer thereby facilitating the mounting of test specimens and the completion of electricalcircuit connections to test specimens, said hinged door adapted to swing substantially the entire torque analyzer into full view; a positioner shaft mounted on said hinged door, a mounting disk secured on said positioner shaft;

said mounting disk adapted to support a series of test specimens equiangulariy spaced and at an equal distance from the axis or" said positioner shaft; positioner means'for accurately displacing said mounting disk. according to a predetermined scheduie, and including a position indexing disk in the form of a toothed member fixed on said'positioner shaft, a spaced actuating member mounted on said hinged door and including at least one actuating stud that is adapted to engage with the position indexing disk for initial rough positioning of a test specimen into test position, an aligning rod, said mounting disk formed'with. a series of openings for registration with said aligning rod, said aligning rod adapted to engage the mounting disk in each of its openings to finely position and lock said mounting disk; an axial thrust assembly mounted on said hinged door and adapted to be in axial alignment with. the rotor of a test specimen in test position to apply con,-

trolled amounts of axial thrust to the rotor of each test specimen in test position, said axial thrust assembly including supporting brackets designed to provide anoper. ative and inoperative position of the axial thrust assembly, a hollow shaft slidably mounted in the brackets and having calibration indicia. on its outer surface, a compression spring for biasing the hollow shaft longitudinally toward a test specimen when said axial thrust assembly is in operative position; an inner concentric pressure rod slidably mounted in said hollow shaft and adapted to be fixed in any axial position relative to said hollow shaft; a torque applying and gauging assembly mounted on said hinged door and constructed and arranged to be in axial alignment with a test specimen in test position and to operate thereon conjointly with said axial thrust assembly, said torque applying and gauging assembly including a reciprocable and rotatable tubular shaft mounted in said hinged door, a reciprocable and rotatable inner concentric shaft slidably mounted in said tubular shaft, the two last mentioned shafts terminating in tool ends, torque gauges fixed on said last two-mentioned shafts for use in apply-; 7 ing torque to the rotor and rotor clutch means of a test specimen through the shafts tool ends; and a cable reel' fixed on said positioner shaft to distribute electric wiring connected to said electrical terminals to electrical component test specimens on the mounting disk whereby the electric wiring does not become entanglednor does the wiring interfere with movement of said positioner shaft.

3. A torque anaiyzer comprising support means; a specimen support adapted for supporting test specimens of the type having a rotor and stator, selectively in and out of testposition; positioner means mounted on said support means supporting the specimen support for positioningtest specimens the specimen support in test position accord ng to a predetermined schedule; an axial thrustassembly mounted on said support means and adapted to be in axial alignmentwith the rotor of a test'specimen in test position to apply controlled amounts of axial;thrust axial alignment 1 position,

to-therotor of. a test specimenin test position; a torque applying and gauging assemblymounted on said support means and constructediandarranged to be in axial alignment'with atest specimen in test position and to operate thereon conjointly with said axial thrust assembly; and a cable reel fixed on saidpositioner means and adapted to distribute electric wires to any electrical component test specimens on the specimen support to prevent the electric wires from becoming entangled or interfering with movement of said positioner means. 7

4; A torque analyzer for determining torque requirementsof components having a rotor, a rotor clutch means,

and a stator, said" torque analyzer comprising support means; a po'sitioner shaft mounted on said support means; a mounting disk secured on the positioner shaft, said mounting disk adapted to support a series of test specimens equiangularly spaced and at an equal distance from the axis of the positioner shaft; positioner means for accurately displacing the mounting disk according to a predetermined schedule, includinga position indexing disk inthe form of a toothed member fixedon said positioner shaft, a spaced actuating member'mounted on said support means and including at least'one actuating stud that is adapted to-engage with the position indexing disk for initial'rough'positioningof a test specimen in test position, analigning'rod said mounting disk having a series of openings for registration with the aligning rod, said aligning rod adapted to engage the'mounting disk in each of the openings to finely positionandlock the mounting disk; I

an axial thrust assembly mounted on said support means and adapted to be in axial alignment with the rotor of a test specimen in test position to apply controlled amounts ofaxial thrust to the rotor'of each test specimen in test position, said axial thrust assembly including supporting brackets designed to provide an operative and inoperative position of the axial thrust assembly, a hollow'shaft slidably mounted .in the brackets and having calibration indicia. on its outer surface, a compression spring for biasing the hollow shaft longitudinally toward a test specimen when said'axial thrust assembly is in operative an inner concentric pressure rod slidably mounted insaidhollow shaft and adapted to be fixed in any axial positionrelative to said hollow shaft; a torque applyingand gaugingassembly mounted on said support means and constructed and arranged to be in axial alignment with a test specimen in test position and to operate thereon conjointly with said axial thrust assembly, said electrical component test specimens on the mounting disk to prevent the electric wires from becoming entangled or interfering withmovement of said positioner shaft.

5. A torque analyzer comprising a support means; a specimen support for supporting test specimens of the type having a rotor and a stator, selectively in and out of test position; positioner means mounted on said support means and supporting the specimen support for accurately displacing the specimen support according to a predetermined schedule; an axial thrust assembly mounted on said support means and adapted to apply controlled amounts of axial thrust to the rotor of a test specimen in test position; anda torque gauging assembly mounted on said support means and constructed and arranged to be in axial alignment with a test specimen. in test-position and to operate thereon conjointly with said axial thrust assembly;

'6 A torque analyzer" comprising; asupport means; a

positioner shaft mounted on said support means; a mounting disk secured on the positioner shaft, said mounting disk adapted to support a se; fes of test specimens equiangularly spaced and at an equal distance from the axis of the positioner shaft; positioner means for accurately displacing the mounting disk according to a predetermined schedule, including a position indexing disk in the form of a toothed member fixed on said positioner shaft, a spaced actuating member mounted on said support means and including at least one actuating stud that is adapted to engage with the position indexing disk for initial rough positioning of a test specimen in test position, an aligning rod, said mounting disk having a series of openings one for each test specimen adapted to be supported thereby the openings being for registration with the aligning rod, said aligning rod adapted to engage the mounting disk in each of the openings to finely position and lock the mounting disk; an axial thrust assembly mounted on said support means and adapted to be in axial alignment with the rotor of a test specimen in test position to apply controlled amounts of axial thrust to the rotor of each test specimen in test position, said axial thrust assembly including supporting brackets designed to provide an operative and inoperative position of the axial thrust assembl a hollow shaft slidably mounted in the brackets and having calibration indicia on its outer surface, a compression spring for biasing the hollow shaft longitudinally towards a test specimen when said axial thrust assembly is in operative position, an inner concentric pressure rod slidably mounted in said hollow shaft and adapted to be fixed in any axial position relative to hollow shaft; and a torque applying and gauging assembly mounted on said hinged door and constructed and arranged to be in axial alignment with a test specimen in test position and to operate thereon conjointly with said axial thrust assembly, said torque applying and gauging assembly including a reciprocable and rotatable tubular shaft mounted on said support means, a reciprocable and rotatable inner concentric shaft slidably mounted in said tubular shaft, the two last-mentioned shafts terminating in a hexagonal socket and screwdriver tip respectively, torque gauges fixed on the last-mentioned shafts for use in applying torque to the rotor androtor clutch means of a test specimen.

- 7. A torque analyzer for evaluating torque characteristics of components having a rotor and a stator, said torque analyzer comprising a housing including a chamber; a specimen support for supporting test specimens selectively in and out of test position; positioner means mounted on said housing and supporting the specimen support for accurately displacing the specimen support according to a predetermined schedule; an axial thrust assembly mounted on said housing and adapted to apply controlled amounts of axial thrust to the rotor of a test specimen in test position; and a torque applying and gauging assembly mounted on said housing and constructed and arranged to be in axial alignment with a test specimen in test position and to operate thereon conjointly with said axial thrust assembly.

8. A torque analyzer for evaluating torque characteristics of components having a rotor, a rotor clutch means and a stator, said torque analyzer comprising a housing, said housing including a chamber, a bodily removable hinged door on said housing for mounting substantially all of the torque analyzer thereby facilitating the mounting of test specimens and the completion of electrical circuit connections to test specimens, said hinged door adapted to swing most of torque analyzer into full view; a positioner shaft mounted on said hinged door; a mounting disk secured on the positioner shaft, said mounting disk adapted to support a series of test specimens equiangularly spaced and at an equal distance from the axis of the positioner shaft; positioner means for accurately displacing the mounting disk according to a predetermined schedule, including a position indexing disk in the form of a toothed member fixed on said positioner shaft, a

ings one for each test specimen adapted to be supported thereby, the openings being for registration with said aligning rod, said aligning rod adapted to engage said mounting disk in each one of its series of openings to finely position and lock the mounting disk; an axial thrust assembly mounted on said hinged door and adapted to be arranged in axial alignment with the rotor of a test specimen in test position to apply controlled amounts of axial thrust to the rotor of each test specimen in test position, said axial thrust assembly including supporting brackets designed to provide an operative and inoperarive position of the axial thrust assembly, a hollow shaft slidably mounted in the brackets and having calibration indicia on its outer surface, a compression spring for biasing the hollow shaft longitudinally toward a test speciment when said axial thrust assembly is in operative position, an inner concentric pressure rod slidably mounted in said hollow shaft adapted to be fixed in any axial position relative to said hollow shaft; and a torque applying and gauging assembly mounted on said hinged door and constructed and arranged to be in axial alignment with a test specimen in test position and to operate thereon conjointly with said axial thrust assembly, said torque applying and gauging assembly including a reciprocable and rotatable tubular shaft mounted in said hinged door, a reciprocable and rotatable inner concentric shaft slidably mounted in said tubular shaft, the two last-mentioned shafts terminating in tool ends, torque gauges fixed on the last-mentioned shafts for use in apply ing torque to the rotor and rotor clutch means of a test specimen through the shafts tool ends.

9. In a torque analyzer for evaluating torque characteristics of components having a rotor, a rotor clutch means, and a stator, in combination a support means; a positioner shaft; a mounting disk secured on the positioner shaft, said mounting disk adapted to support a series of test specimens equiangularly spaced and at an equal distance from the axis of the positioner shaft; an axial thrust assembly mounted on said support means and adapted to be arranged in axial alignment with the rotor of a test specirnent in test position to apply controlled amounts of axial thrust to the rotor of each test specimen in test position, and including supporting brackets designed to provide an operative and inoperative position of the axial thrust assembly, a hollow shaft slidably mounted in the brackets and having calibration indicia on its outer surface, a compression spring for biasing the hollow shaft longitudinally toward a test specimen when said axial thrust assembly is in operative position, an inner concentric pressure rod slidably mounted in said hollow shaft adapted to be fixed in any axial position relative to said hollow shaft; and a torque applying and gauging assembly mounted on said support means and constructed and arranged to be in axial alignment with a test specimen in test position and to operate thereon conjointly with said axial thrust assembly, said torque applying and gauging assembly including a reciprocable and rotatable tubular shaft mounted on said support means, a reciprocable and rotatable inner concentric shaft slidably mounted in said tubular shaft, the two last-mentioned shafts terminating in tool ends, torque gauges fixed on the last-mentioned shafts for use in applying torque to the rotor and rotor clutch means of a test specimen through the tool ends.

10. In a torque analyzer for use on components having a rotor, a rotor clutch means and a stator; in combination, a support means adapted to support a test specimen; an axial thrust assembly mounted on said support means and adapted to apply controlled degrees of axial thrust to the rotor of a test specimen, said axial thrust assembly comprising supporting brackets secured to said support means and designed to provide an operative and inoperatis'eposition of the thrust assembly, a'ho'llow'shaftslidably mounted in the brackets and having calibration, indicia on its outer surface, a compression spring for biasing the hollow shaft longitudinally toward a testzspecimen when said axial thrust assembly is in test position, an

inner concentric pressurerod slidably mounted intsaid hollow shaft adapted to be fixed in'any. axialflpositionrelative'to said hollow shaft; and a torque applying-rand gaugingcassembly mounted on said support -meanszand constructed and arranged to be in axial alignment with a-test specimen in test position andto operate thereon conjointly' with said axial thrust assembly,t-said',torque applying and gauging assembly including a reciprocable androtatable tubular shaft ntountedrzon said support means,.a reciprocahleand rotatable inner: concentric shaft slida'bly 'mounted in said tubular shaft, the "tworlastmentionedwshaits terminating in tool ends, torque gauges fixed on' 'thelast-mentioned shafts: for use in'iapplying torque;to the rotor'and rotor clutch means of attest specimen through the tool ends.

11. In combination ina torque analyzenta housing;

7 a-.positioner: shaft mounted in said-housing;v a.:1nounting disk'securedc on the positioner: shaft, said. mounting disk adapted to support aseries of test specimens equiangularly spacedand at an equal *distancenfrom the 1 axis :of'. the positionershaft; and -a. torque applying and gauging'assembly mountedon-said'housing and'adaptedxtobein axial alignment withrartest, specimen in 'test position for operating thereon, said torque gauging. assembly includporttrneans adapted to support a test specimen in test position, a torque applying and gauging assemblymounted onr said support means and adapted to be in'axial-alignment with the rotor of a test specimen while operating on the'test'specimen, said torque gaugingassembly including a reciprocable and rotatable tubular shaft mounted in said support means, a reciprocable and rotatable inner concentric shaft mounted in said tubular shaft,

the .two said shafts terminating. in tool ends :snch :1 as 1.3- hexagonal socket for transferringtorquemo.thexrotQr clutchcmeansof'the test specimenrand ascrcwdriueriip for transferring torque, to. the rotor of the testspecimen,

respectively, and torque gauges fixed ,on' theshaftsfor.

use in applying torque through the tool ends. 7

, l3. Ina torque analyzer, support means-adapted; for supporting a test specimen of the type having a rotor and a statoryin a test position; anadjustable axial thrust as-.

semblymounted'on-said support means and adapted .to

apply a selected constant amount of axialrthrust to'the,

rotor of a test specimen in test position; and a torque applying means mounted on said support means and havinga portion that is adapted to connect with the rotor of atestspecimen in a test position to transfer enough torque to therotor of the test specimen whilethe rotor isgunder the selected constant amount of axial thrustforucausing the rotor to rotate in a desired manner, said torque applying means including torque gauging means through which torque is applied to the rotor.

14.cIn a torque analyzer, support means adaptedior supporting a test specimen of the type .havinga rotonand a stator in a test position; torque applying means mounted onsaid support means and including a cylindrical portion freely slidable and rotatable in said support means in axial alignment with the rotor ofpa test specimen in test position andone end of which. cylindrical portion is adapted tortransmit torque from said torque applyingrmeans to the rotor of the test specimen, said torque applying means including a torque, gauging means through which torque is applied ,to the rotor; and an adjustablethrust assembly mounted on said support means with a portion thereof axiallyaligned with said cylindrical portion and adapted to, apply a selected amount of axialthrust to the, rotor of the test specimen through said cylindrical portion.

References Cited in the file of this patent -UNlTED STATES PATENTS 2,030,464 Nilson 4. Feb. 11,1936 2,275,315 Ray M2123, 1942 "2,304,155 Dyball Dec. 8,"1942 2,464,372 Booth Mar. 15, 1949 2,540,754 Nowell Feb. '6, 1951 2,552,407 Crabbe May 8, 1951 2,586,708 Petit "Feb. 19, 1952 

